Bozeman, Montana – March 30, 2017: Bozeman, Montana based Wild Sheep Foundation, the international leader in the conservation and restoration of wild sheep, applauds action taken this morning by the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. On a voice vote, the Senate E&NR Committee advanced S.733, a bipartisan sportsmen’s package, addressing many priorities for American hunters, anglers and recreational shooters.

This bill continues to build upon previous Sportsmen’s Acts that have all enjoyed broad bipartisan support in each of the past three Congressional sessions. Today’s package would reauthorize key conservation programs, help boost the outdoor recreation economy, permanently establish the Wildlife and Hunting Heritage Conservation Council Advisory Committee, and allows for expanded wildlife management measures on National Park Service lands.

“The Wild Sheep Foundation supports the strong focus on access to public lands as the driving issue for this bill, along with several other bipartisan measures to enhance access and habitat management for the benefit of hunters, anglers, and outdoor recreation enthusiasts,” said Gray N. Thornton, WSF President & CEO.

“This bipartisan bill will open more areas to hunting and fishing, allow people a greater ability to enjoy the outdoors, and grow America's thriving outdoor recreation economy. Hunting and fishing are a way of life for millions of Americans, and this sportsmen’s package will ensure that our federal lands remain open for access unless otherwise closed through federal land planning process, and that federal agency land managers work to expand and enhance access, in accordance with their missions,” added Thornton.

The Wild Sheep Foundation, formerly the Foundation for North American Wild Sheep (FNAWS,) was founded in 1977 by wild sheep conservationists and enthusiasts. WSF’s Mission is to enhance wild sheep populations, promote scientific wildlife management, and educate the public and youth on sustainable use and the conservation benefits of hunting while promoting the interests of the hunter. With a membership of 7,000 worldwide and a Chapter and Affiliate network in North America and Europe, WSF is the premier advocate for wild sheep, other mountain wildlife, their habitat, and their conservation. Since forming in 1977, the Wild Sheep Foundation and its chapters and affiliates have raised and expended more than $110 million on conservation, education and conservation advocacy programs in North America, Europe and Asia towards its Purpose to “Put and Keep Wild Sheep On the Mountain.”™ These and other efforts have resulted in a three-fold increase in bighorn sheep populations in North America from their historic 1950-60s lows of ~25,000 to ~85,000 today. WSF, our Chapters and Affiliates and agencies partners are also working together to ensure thinhorn sheep thrive in theirnorthern mountain realms for generations to enjoy.